Communications Specialist

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist

SALARY: $79,000 - $85,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Communications

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington DC

REPORTS TO: Communications Director

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: January 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Specialist is responsible for helping to plan and implement a wide variety of media activities to gain coverage for Defenders of Wildlife and issues related to the organization’s mission. In this role, the Communications Specialist’s primary responsibilities include developing and implementing media plans, drafting opinion editorials, letters to the editors, news releases, blogs, factsheets, talking points and other press materials. The Communication Specialist will be responsible for interacting directly with members of the media and expected to build relationships with the news media. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for both proactive and reactive communications, and be able to work well under tight timelines. Additional communications-related activities may be assigned by the Communications Director and/or the Senior Vice President of External Affairs.

Regular interdepartmental collaboration for determining media opportunities, deadlines, messaging priorities and materials needed is essential in this role.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Writing: Generates press releases, statements, talking points, advisories, factsheets, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos and other press materials as assigned.
• Serves as a lead communications person for several different issue areas and teams.
• Media & Messaging Strategy: Works with program staff and Communications Team to develop and implement media plans.
• Participates and represents Defenders on key coalition teams, collaborating with coalition partners in strategy, materials development and action.
• Media relations: Establishes working relationships with reporters in issue areas. Call and email reporters to pitch Defenders-related stories; field inquiries from the media and work with pertinent program staff members to conduct interviews.
• Research: Conducts research to develop talking points and other media relations and programmatic materials as needed.
• Press events: Works with appropriate program staff to coordinate, execute and publicize press events, teleconferences, and other promotional activities.
• Attends press briefings and activities and helps prepare senior executives for interviews and media appearances.
• General support: Collaborates with and supports Communications Team colleagues in daily communications department work.
• Collaborate with Defenders’ Conservation Program Teams and Marketing Team to ensure coordinated messaging and communications strategies.
• Limited travel may be required to support interviews, events and/or conferences, or interdepartmental meetings.
• Performs all other work-related duties as assigned, including, but not limited to, identifying advertising needs and preferred outlets for such advertising; drafting social media as requested; developing coalition toolkits; etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience with a proven track record of tier-one media placements, knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process, and ability to juggle multiple issues.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Communications Specialist

1. Strong interpersonal skills
2. Strong writing and editing skills, specifically writing for the press (op-eds, press releases, editorial memos, reporter backgrounds, etc.)
3. Experience with managing media events
4. Experience with media pitching, relationship building skills and with creating long-term relationships with reporters, editors
5. Experience with communications planning and strategy
6. Strong time management skills as well as attention to detail
7. Ability to accomplish multiple tasks on several concurrent projects
8. Self-motivated and able to work with limited supervision
9. Experience working with media databases
10. Knowledge of AP Style

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

N

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

N

High temperatures.

N

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

N

Noisy environments.

N

Hazardous conditions.

N

Poor ventilation.

N

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

N

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.